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Tag: Madrid

Real Madrid appeared relaxed as they readied themselves for Sunday’s crucial match against Sevilla.

Zinedine Zidane’s side trained in the Spanish sunshine knowing that they hold the destiny of the La Liga title in their own hands ahead of their final three matches of the season.

Cristiano Ronaldo looked in good spirits as he was put through his paces while Toni Kroos was seen horsing around with winger Lucas Vazquez.

Isco, who scored in the Champions League semi-final second leg at Atletico Madrid, seemed focused as he practised his shooting at the session.

But Madrid will have to make do without Gareth Bale for the match, as Zidane revealed the winger will once again be unavailable for selection due to a calf injury sustained last month against Bayern Munich.

The Frenchman told reporters: ‘We have to see day to day with Gareth Bale. He is continuing in the gym, working, trying to get rid of his discomfort.

‘It’s getting better, but you have to go day by day. But he’s not even training with us. I cannot tell you when he will return, but hopefully it is soon.’

Also missing will be defender Pepe, who is struggling with a rib problem.

Pepe has been linked with a move away from Madrid when his contract expires in the summer and Zidane sought to pay tribute to the long-serving centre-back.

Pepe’s career has been spectacular,’ said the Madrid coach.

‘It’s been 10 years where he’s done fantastic things, but with this I’m not telling you what is going to happen next year because I do not know.

‘He will not be in the squad tomorrow because of his rib. He trained with us, but it’s not quite right.’

Madrid sit second in La Liga to Barcelona but are level on points with their rivals and crucially hold a game in hand.

Barcelona have league matches against Las Palmas and Eibar remaining while Real Madrid travel to Celta Vigo and Malaga after the Sevilla clash.

Zidane’s men qualified for the Champions League final against Juventus on Wednesday after they beat Atletico Madrid 4-2 on aggregate in the semi-final.